Passengers who were planning to spend their Diwali in India were stranded in Milan, Italy after their Delhi-bound Air India flight got cancelled over a technical glitch. Air India clarified that the flight was cancelled to ensure the "safety of all passengers and crew."
“Flight AI138 from Milan to Delhi on 17 October was cancelled due to an extended technical requirement on the aircraft scheduled to operate the flight, prioritising the safety of all passengers and crew,” Air India said in the statement.
Hundreds of passengers returning for Diwali break left stranded after Air India’s flight from Milan to Delhi on Oct 17 (AI 138) is cancelled due to a technical glitch. Return now scheduled for four days later. Some were taken to a hotel, where they were later asked to leave.… pic.twitter.com/8LcmrocBfX
— Jagriti Chandra (@jagritichandra) October 18, 2025
Getting into damage control mode, Air India assured hotel accommodation for all the passengers of flight AI 138. There were 256 passengers who were planning to fly to Delhi on the cancelled flight. "...Due to limited availability, accommodations were arranged outside the immediate vicinity of the airport," it added.
The airline said it has arranged alternative flights for the affected passengers on or after Monday. This would mean that the fliers would miss their plans for Diwali.
"Passengers have been rebooked on alternative flights on or after 20 October, based on seat availability with Air India and other airlines. Specifically, one of the passengers, whose Schengen visa expires on 20 October, has been rebooked on another airline’s flight departing Milan on 19 October to ensure compliance with her visa validity," the airline stated.
Air India noted that it will provide all necessary ground assistance, including meals, to the passengers. "We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew," it added.
